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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Worried about Neighbours' friend comment...

67 replies

DumbestBlonde · 14/06/2021 09:08

As posted (as part of another topic) previously, I am in a bit of a Neighbour(s) from Hell situation (and I am sure they think I am one too....) - "typical" problems - noise (amplifier outside) including indredibly foul language of course, weed (x about 8-10 people sometimes), barbecues and fires, using my path when they have their own..... etc etc. All of which are making me feel as through my already diminished life is becoming smaller and smaller, with my thoughts sometimes overwhelmed by the situation. (I know, tragic.)

Last week, I had said something to a teenager visiting about the music - I simply asked if she had headphones (don't they all?) - mainly because the music from the amplifier from INside clashed terribly with whatever she was playing on her phone. I was then screamed at by the Neighbour (female) and told that they would "do it louder now". But then they went away for a few days. Such bliss - which I know is wrong of me.

ANYway - before they did, I happened to encounter a (male) friend/visitor - who obviosuly doesn't know that hostilities have been ramped up. I was just leaving and locking my door - which is right NEXT to their door (see notes re. path - no barrier etc etc).

He (male next door) has a lot of friends, and they all look very similar (I call them- in my head - the Reginalds), but this one must have never seen me before, as he - ah, oh no - SPOKE to me (!)

I was a wee bit "dressed up" and hair done etc, and he decided that flirtation was the best way to go - which I only really responded to by mentioning my daughter's age, and laughing at his weird attempts to chat up a much much older lady. The NDN was not asnwering the door and the "Reginald" said, "Ooh, I bet they're having sex..."
I sighed - got into my car and drove away and was gone for most of the day.

When I came back and was getting things out of my car - about 11pm - he and NDN just parked his car (I suspect drink driving was involved) and he approached me again. As I was putting the seats back up in the rear of my car (bike had been in it), he held a hand out to help me and pulled me towards him rather too closely. I again laughed it off and NDN told him to "come on, twat". (Music and noise then went on for a long time....sigh)

So, this person visited again last night, a few hours after NDNs came back from their short break. I am not SO nosey that I actually listen - but they are so loud and so close that if I set foot outside, I can hear some of what is being said whether I want to or not. I water my few plants later in the evening and just as I opened the patio doors, I heard the very same person say, "And I'm coming back to f**k your next door neighbour". Angry Blush

[The house on the other side is empty, so it's not someone else.]

Cue much laughing Sad, even though he sounded semi-serious....

I do feel vulnerable here (and in the wider area, I hate to say)' things like this do highlught it, because I don't really know what I can do. The difficulties with the NDNs have escalated to a sort of bullying, as they know I am by myself and no-one really even comes here (just the one friend I talked about before). At "best", I am ignored - and at worst (so far), life made difficult/NO consideration at all - and if I say anything at all, I am spoken to like shit.

I know age shouldn't be a factor, but they are I think about eight years younger than my own daughter Sad - I am so ashamed of how this is playing out - and it must be said, find what the friend said last night quite worrying...... (almost sure it was a joke, for the laughs (again, at my expense).

I am mainly ranting (yes, I know it's AIBU), but I would be interested to hear some other views x

OP posts:
WettyHainthrop · 14/06/2021 09:41

Can you move?

Hopdathelf · 14/06/2021 09:41

Have you interpreted what sounds like a light hearted if distasteful comment as a threat?

Atalune · 14/06/2021 09:45

Doesn’t sound good. Obviously it was bravado nonsense from scummy man. However can you use this to report to HA or landlord or police? It’s quite serious if it was a threat?

Can you move?

Bluntness100 · 14/06/2021 09:48

I also think did you interpret a jokey comment as a threat ? Do you feel he is planning to rape you?

DumbestBlonde · 14/06/2021 09:50

@Hopdathelf

Have you interpreted what sounds like a light hearted if distasteful comment as a threat?
Oh quite possibly, in my dramatic fashion..... Not a threat as such - i.e. made TO me, but nevertheless, the whole situation feels qute low-level threatening (there is more, but that's from last year - not including this person), and has itself been levelled up because I asked about the music a week or so ago.... And besides - everything is "light-hearted" under the influence of weed and alcohol; not so much for the target/subject though. And of course, their idea of light-hearted is unlikley to align with mine Confused
OP posts:
lughnasadh · 14/06/2021 09:50

You spend too much time thinking about, and giving patronising names to, your neighbours.

CrashBandicoot21 · 14/06/2021 09:54

Either move, report to environmental health, report to police for the drugs.

DumbestBlonde · 14/06/2021 09:54

@Bluntness100

I also think did you interpret a jokey comment as a threat ? Do you feel he is planning to rape you?
I quite possibly did..... I think he got a bit too handsy last week - and tbh, I had put it out of my mind. The subject is still a fresh topic of conversation for them though - at my expense, whichever way you look at it. Another reminder of my circumstances (to me); doubt it would happen if the last person I was involved with was around (kind of intimidating-looking - certainly would tower over the shrimp next door). Sad Sad
OP posts:
DumbestBlonde · 14/06/2021 09:57

@lughnasadh

You spend too much time thinking about, and giving patronising names to, your neighbours.
Mainly because - 1) They have an effect on my life - some more than others 2) I admit, to my shame - that I have no family that is close - either emotionally, or geographically. This is not my choice, and I very much wish it was different.

Oops- patronising name coming up (Did you never see "Lost" - I think I caught it a bit from Josh Holloway's character.) You should hear some of the ones I have had Blush

OP posts:
DumbestBlonde · 14/06/2021 10:00

Group answer - to those who suggest it: moving would not (have been) easy in the BeforeTimes - now, harder than ever. I am very afraid of Frying Pan to Frying Pan as well, with limited financial "options".
Sad Sad

OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 14/06/2021 10:02

Op I mean this gently but rapists seldom make jokes about their intentions. It was just a crass joke. Try not to worry.

RealisticSketch · 14/06/2021 10:06

They sound a nightmare, and a pp is focusing on the nicknames they've acquired! Blimey, never heard of dark humour, it's how people cope with s**t.
Anyway, op don't blame you for feeling low level threatened because clearly what these people think it's acceptable is not for most. It's just grim living with that just because of the inability to shut it out.
I can't see what could be done other than moving away, you can hardly appeal to their better nature can you! 😔

RealisticSketch · 14/06/2021 10:06

Sorry, cross post. Sorry to hear moving isn't possible.

DumbestBlonde · 14/06/2021 10:08

I call them the Reginalds because they all, to a man, have problems parking. So, Reginald Molehusband - not everyone will remember him Blush
(Is that "patronising"?)
And yes, I too now have problems parking - made harder by being squeezed from both sides. I did do IAM (Advanced Driving) and have a badge on the car, but I have become a Reginald as well Smile

At one time, before i knew that the supply of friends was seemingly inexhaustible, they were Fat Head, Flat Head, Slap Head and Ginger Nut - and NDN is MustDoLegDay.
Oh, I'm such a wit (/s)

OP posts:
Geamhradh · 14/06/2021 10:09

This reads very strangely OP.
You are, on the one hand, describing a situation which sounds dreadful, then interspersing it with jokes and exclamation marks and pet names.

If you want people to take what sounds like an awful situation seriously, you might want to reread how you're coming across.

PracticingPerson · 14/06/2021 10:10

Can you rent it out? Can you just sell and rent? Can you get a lodger so you are not alone?

I am so sorry you have awful neighbours. It is so draining Flowers

Geamhradh · 14/06/2021 10:11

@RealisticSketch

They sound a nightmare, and a pp is focusing on the nicknames they've acquired! Blimey, never heard of dark humour, it's how people cope with s**t. Anyway, op don't blame you for feeling low level threatened because clearly what these people think it's acceptable is not for most. It's just grim living with that just because of the inability to shut it out. I can't see what could be done other than moving away, you can hardly appeal to their better nature can you! 😔
I think many of us have heard about both dark humour and seen too many CF neighbour threads being ramped up for the drama and ending up in Classics tbf.
CHISistoast · 14/06/2021 10:15

@Geamhradh

This reads very strangely OP. You are, on the one hand, describing a situation which sounds dreadful, then interspersing it with jokes and exclamation marks and pet names.

If you want people to take what sounds like an awful situation seriously, you might want to reread how you're coming across.

I see the way OP writes as almost desperation. As in, I don't think she's trying to be funny. Sorry, can't explain what I mean.
Tangled22 · 14/06/2021 10:15

It sounds like your way too invested in what your neighbours are doing.

They sound like bad neighbours who drink/smoke too much and are noisy in the garden, including making crass comments. But the fact you were eavesdropping on them, again makes it seem like you’re over-invested.

I would invite some of your friends round to your garden, put some music on and just try and enjoy yourself. It’ll make you care less about what the neighbours are doing.

DumbestBlonde · 14/06/2021 10:19

@RealisticSketch

They sound a nightmare, and a pp is focusing on the nicknames they've acquired! Blimey, never heard of dark humour, it's how people cope with s**t. Anyway, op don't blame you for feeling low level threatened because clearly what these people think it's acceptable is not for most. It's just grim living with that just because of the inability to shut it out. I can't see what could be done other than moving away, you can hardly appeal to their better nature can you! 😔
Thank you - you get it Smile It is just a protection for myself; even the friend that I complained about on here last week hardly understands me anymore, so I do forgive a MNer who is just reading my words, if they don't fully "get" what is behind it. (Which is Despair actually.)

Yes, I do feel threatened, and I am possibly focussing too much on what the person said, as it is a rather new direction (and I do suppose it was drink/drugs/sick humoiur talking....); last year when it seemed like it was the whole neighbourhood (led by one certain person who is know for being Awful - no patronising name for him, just a Big Fat Bloke|) was attacking me, the NDNs used particular songs played on the amplifier to hopefully upset me, and were also part of a group that threw eggs, stones and wine bottles and my house, and me.

I don't even think they have better natures Sad. Offence was taken when - they weren't in, so I left a note - I volleyball-served a ball back, and it sailed into the garden beyond. I know this because, when a ball came into my garden last week, one of them vaulted the 5' fence into my garden without asking (I was in the kitchen) - and when he went back, the NDN (she) said, "We'll get a letter for that", and laughed.

If I had ever done what they are, I would be ashamed of myself.

OP posts:
Sparklfairy · 14/06/2021 10:23

@Geamhradh

This reads very strangely OP. You are, on the one hand, describing a situation which sounds dreadful, then interspersing it with jokes and exclamation marks and pet names.

If you want people to take what sounds like an awful situation seriously, you might want to reread how you're coming across.

Absolute bollocks. Have you never heard of cognitive dissonance?

Very common in stressful situations to deflect with humour etc.

DumbestBlonde · 14/06/2021 10:24

But the fact you were eavesdropping on them, again makes it seem like you’re over-invested.

I wasn't, and I already said that. It is impossible NOT to hear what is being said, when it is virtually shouted (maybe I was MEANT to hear?) from about four feet away and amplified by how the buildings are "designed".

I am as "invesetd" as I am forced to be, living so close and , before anyone says it, having "no life". As I have said elsewhere, it is always, the noisy, dirty, smelly, inconsiderate, unkind and thoughtless, selfish people, who "win".
Angry

OP posts:
Roonerspismed · 14/06/2021 10:25

Urgh. Some of the responses in here

They sound awful. Just awful.

Gullible2021 · 14/06/2021 10:25

It was a gross comment, along the lines of the sort of gross comments alot of men make.

But most of us learn, and at quite a young age, not to give men like this the time of day.

Anyone trying to flirt with me on my doorstep, anyone let alone someone under the influence or drink or drugs - would not have been given the time of day. I would have ignored them totally or given a blunt expressionless answer. I wouldn't have entertained them and started giving the ages of my children to them. Just blank. Ignore.

And then going on to "touch me"?! Oh hell no. He put out a hand to steady you - you didn't have to take it. I wouldn't have. I've had the hand out, pull in too close and then have a drunk weirdo getting me caught in a clinch, getting handsy situation pulled on me way too many times in my teens and twenties to have not learned from it. A stranger who gives me an off vibe who reaches out a hand to me now, just gets the hand out totally ignored. Can it be awkward? Sure. But I'd rather that than the alternative. And in a pandemic especially many people are getting used to having to a avoid an outstretched hand or attempt at a hug right now.

Just don't give these men any of your attention or headspace. Instead of overthinking it, learn to communicate clear boundaries. You can't stop men thinking or saying these things but you aren't powerless.

lughnasadh · 14/06/2021 10:26

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